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Five questions the Bears must ask GM candidates - Patrick Finley: Philosophically, in a division with Aaron Rodgers, must the Bears terrorize him with a pass rush (as the Lions do) or try to outscore him through the air?
Why not hire Gary Fencik as Bears brass? - Mike Imrem: The McCaskeys would have to respect the opinions of a hard-hitting champion who knows what Bears football looks like and have to trust a business executive who knows what a bottom line looks like.
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Bearsss
A capsule look at Bears GM candidates - Michael C. Wright: ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported the Bears have requested permission to interview five candidates as replacements for Phil Emery. Bob LeGere: Bears to interview Chris Ballard Friday or Saturday.
Bears set to meet with two coaching candidates this weekend - Dan Wiederer: Eric DeCosta off the board as Bears continue GM search; how strong is the link between the Bears and Doug Marrone? NY Post: Bears to interview Marrone next week.
Peyton Manning: Teams will be impressed with Adam Gase - Adam L. Jahns: Some of Gase’s success the last two seasons is linked to Manning, but he’s highly regarded in league circles for his innovation, especially after his work with Tim Tebow.
[Video] SportsTalk Live - Bears reportedly have interest in Doug Marrone.
[Audio] - Jarrett Payton reviews the year in football, his relationship with Marc Trestman and how management decisions affected the Bears’ offense.
[Video] Inside the Bears - Jared Allen goes for a drive with Anthony Adams in another edition of "Big Guys in Compact Cars."
Bears history - Larry Mayer: On the 20th anniversary of one of the most improbable playoff victories in Bears history, a look back at their surprise 35-18 win over the Vikings on Jan. 1, 1995.
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Jay Cutler
Cutler among guys who could use a change of scenery - Adam Schein has a go at Jay Cutler's demeano(u)r and compares him to Jeff George. Achievement Unlocked!
Predictions for 2015: Cutler will be an MVP contender - Lorenzo Reyes: With the talent around him, Cutler needs a strong, offensive-minded head coach who can push the right buttons and inspire him to maximize his potential. Marc Trestman simply wasn’t that guy.
Worst-to-first candidates for 2015 NFL season - Gil Brandt: Mike Shanahan could channel Cutler's ability and turn a potential "seed of doubt" into a definite "seed of hope." Plus, he's a Chicago person who understands this is not a finesse team, and that the Bears should pound the ball and play defense.
[Video] SportsTalk Live - Can there be balance in Bears offense if Cutler returns?
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Polish sausage
What are players paid during the playoffs? - Joel Corry: Inside the financials for each players’[sic] postseason pay.
Jack Bechta: The Agent's Journal - Is college football about to implode? There is a storm brewing and it’s almost here.
X&Os - Matt Bowen takes a look at how the Packers adjusted their receivers' route trees to compensate for Aaron Rodgers' injury. [Route trees? I've heard of such things.]
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Dogs with fleas, allergies, a book of Greek antiquities
Brand new pants, a very old vest, awesome items are the best!